Military Aviation Museums
Boeing B-29 Superfortress Dimensions
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The Olive-Drab.com general list of military museums is in the Military History section on the linked page.
Fleet Air Arm Archive (UK) lists military air museums from around the world.
Aero-Web maintains a list of Aviation Museums in the US plus can help you locate particular aircraft by type.
The US Air Force has a system of museums, some listed below. A more complete list is on this page.
| Aviation Museums |
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| The 475th Fighter Group Historical Foundation has established a permanent home for the artifacts, photographs, records and memories of the U.S. Army Air Force unit that accounted for the 562 victories, two Presidential Unit Citations, and produced 42 "Aces" in the South Pacific combat area. The unit was unique in that it was the first all Lockheed P-38 group and was formed overseas in Australia. The museum is located in Riverside CA, on the March Air Reserve Base. |
| Air Classics is an aviation museum located at Aurora Municipal Airport - ARR where the aircraft actually fly. You can sit in an A-7 that flew in the Gulf War and climb into the pilot's seat of a UH-1 Huey helicopter. The museum's collection includes aircraft, vehicles, uniforms and other aviation memorabilia from the 1930s to the present time. |
| American Airpower Heritage Museum. This museum of WW II air power is a project of the Commemorative Air Force, a group dedicated to the preservation of these historical treasures. Since a modest start in 1951, the CAF has grown to approximately 6,500 members and 84 chartered units have been established in cities across the country to help restore, preserve and fly the World War II aircraft including the only remaining B-29 heavy bomber. The Midland, Texas museum now houses the largest private collection of World War II aviation artifacts and material culture outside of the U.S. military government museum system and the collection continues to grow daily. |
| Commemorative Air Force Museum at at Falcon Field, Mesa, Arizona, is home to the authentically restored World War II B-17 bomber, "Sentimental Journey." one of a handful of flyable B-17s left of the 12,731 B-17s built during WWII. In addition to "Sentimental Journey" the CAF Museum also maintains a B-25 Mitchell bomber, SNJ, C-45, and a Grumman Guardian. |
| Canadian War Plane Heritage Museum has exhibits of aircraft from WW II to the present day. "Canada's Flying Museum". Hamilton Airport, 9280 Airport Road Mount Hope, Ontario, Canada L0R 1W0. 905-679-4183, 905-679-4186 fax. |
| Castle Air Museum maintains and preserves 42 aircraft from World War II, Korean War, and Vietnam Conflict. PO Box 488, Atwater, CA 95301. 209-723-2178, 209-723-0323 fax. cam@elite.net |
| Cavanaugh Flight Museum has more than 35 historic aircraft of WW I, WW II, Korea and Vietnam, each meticulously restored to its original flying condition. P-51 Mustang, TBM Avenger, F-104 Starfighter, Russian MiGs. Addison Airport, 4572 Claire Chenault, Addison, TX 75001. 972-380-8800, 972-248-0907 fax . jeff@cavanaughflightmuseum.com |
| EAA Air Adventure Museum. Ninety full-size aircraft on display ranging from aviation's earliest days to today's high-tech homebuilts. The Museum also features the Eagle Hangar, dedicated to World War II aviation, historic fighter jets from the 1950-60-70-80's, and Pioneer Airport, which re-creates a grass strip airport of the 1920-30's era. Oshkosh, WI 54903-3086. 920-426-4800. |
| Relive aviation history at the Flying Leatherneck Aviation Museum. The Museum houses an inventory of forty historically significant aircraft, with over two-dozen presently on static display. Located at MCAS Miramar, the Museum is open to the public, free of charge. Take I-805 to Miramar road East or I-15 to Miramar road West to MCAS Miramar North Gate. 858-577-6125. flhf@usmcavhistory.org |
| Hill Aerospace Museum. Located in the northwest corner of Hill Air Force Base by Roy, Utah. The Hill Aerospace Museum collection currently includes a wide variety of military aircraft and missiles, assorted munitions and weapons, ground vehicles associated with aircraft/missiles, and thousands of other historical artifacts. 75th ABW/MU, 7961 Wardleigh Rd., Hill AFB, UT 84056-5842. 801-777-6868 or 801-777-6818. carol.nash@hill.af.mil |
| Indiana Aviation Museum. Exhibits of planes including 1941 PT-17 Stearman, 1945 P-51D "Mustang", 1945 F4U-5N "Corsair", 1952 AT-6G "Texan", 1955 T-28B "Trojan", 1957 T-34B "Mentor", L-2 "Grasshopper", 1967 A-37A "Dragonfly". All planes fly and rides can be arranged. 4601 Murvihill Rd., Valparaiso, IN 46383 (at the Porter County Airport U.S. Hwy 30 & State Rd. 49). 219-548-3123. indaviation@aol.com |
| Kansas Aviation Museum. Many exhibits and events often in cooperation with McConnell Air Force Base and the Kansas Air National Guard. 3350 George Washington Boulevard, Wichita, Kansas 67210. 316-683-9242. kam3350@juno.com |
| The March Field Air Museum has over 60 historic aircraft on display. Many famous record breaking planes such as the Lockheed SR-71 "Blackbird" are represented as well as the strategic bombers and fighters of the Cold War Period. World War II is well represented by planes such as the B-17 Flying Fortress, the B-25 Mitchell bomber, the Douglas A/B-26 Invader, and the magnificent B-29 Superfortress. Inside the visitor will find some rare and unusual aircraft including a P-59 fighter, the first operational jet adopted by the U.S. Air Force over 50 years ago. 22550 Van Buren, Riverside, CA 92518 Call 951-697-6602. |
| The Glenn L. Martin Aviation Museum displays many items of local historical significance; industial models of aircraft and rockets, wind tunnel models, restored and partly restored aircraft, and many original photographs outlining the growth of the Martin Company and its people. |
| The Mighty Eighth Air Force Heritage Museum honors the courage, character, and patriotism embodied by the men and women of the Eighth Air Force, the greatest air armada the world had ever seen. Exhibits cover the Battle of Britian, the entire WW II air war in Europe, and post-war missions. Located in Pooler, GA just off I-95 at Exit 102 (US Hwy 80), 2 miles south of the Savannah International Airport exit and 2 miles north of the intersection of I-95 and I-16. mighty8edu@aol.com (Thanks to Wayne Harris for this suggestion.) |
| Museum of Flying. Vintage aircraft and historical exhibits. Air shows and flying exhibition. At the Santa Monica Airport, 2772 Donald Douglas Loop North, Santa Monica, CA. 310-392-8822. |
| Musée de l'Air et de l'Espace (M.A.E). Huge museum and exhibition of aircraft and spacecraft. Near Paris, France. Boite Postale 173, 93352 Le Bourget Cedex +33 01 49 92 71 99, +33 01 49 92 70 95 fax. |
| The National Air and Space Museum web site of the Smithsonian Institution. Extensive web site includes lots of military history, particularly US Air Force and its predecessor US Army Air Corps. |
| The Olympic Flight Museum is dedicated to preserve the sights, sounds, smells and excitement of vintage aircraft. 7637A Old Hwy 99 SE, Olympia, WA 98501. 360-705-3925 |
| Peterson Air & Space Museum preserves and portrays the rich aviation and space history of Colorado Springs and Peterson Air Force Base. Exhibits feature the WW II Peterson Army Air Base, the Binational (United States and Canadian) North American Aerospace Defense Command, US Air Defense Command and the US Air Force Space Command. The Museum's Airpark collection includes sixteen aircraft and four missiles. 21st Space Wing/MU, 150 East Ent Avenue, Peterson Air Force Base, CO 80914-1303. Tour groups should contact the 21st Space Wing's Public Affairs Office (719-556-4696) or the Museum Curator (719-556-4915) for arrangements. |
| Pima Air & Space Museum in Tucson, AZ has over 250 aircraft occupying 80 acres of land. The entire museum property covers about 150 acres. They have an associated Titan Missile Musuem at Sahuarita, AZ, the Davis-Monthan Air Force Base (390th Strategic Missile Wing). Pima Air & Space Museum is located at 6000 East Valencia Road, Tucson, AZ 85706. 520-574-0462, 520-574-9238 fax. |
| The Planes of Fame Air Museum was one of the first air museums in the United States. The collection is unique, spanning from the early gliders to modern jets. Many of the aircraft in the collection are capable of flying and are flown regularly. Two locations: 7000 Merrill Ave Chino, CA 91710, 909-597-3722 and HCR 34, Box B, Valle-Williams AZ 86046, 520-635-1000. fly1katana@aol.com |
| Polish Avation Museum. Formed at Czyzyny in 1964, the museum exhibits the world aviation heritage; the collection is one of the European leaders. There are more than one hundred planes, gliders, helicopters, anti-aircraft missiles as well as some two hundred aviation engines. KRAKÓW AL. JANA PAWLA II 39. +48 12 4129000, +48 12 4127855 fax. |
| RAF Museum. The history of the Royal Air Force is presented by over 70 legendary planes (including the legendary Spitfire and Lancaster Bomber), fascinating exhibits and a world class collection of aviation art all displayed under cover on the historic site of RAF Hendon. Extensive coverage of the Battle of Britain and the Blitz. +44 (0)181 205 6867, +44 (0)181 201 3595 fax. |
| RAAF Museum. RAAF Base Williams, Point Cook (near Melbourne), Victoria 3027, Australia. +61-3-9256-1300, +61-3-9256-1692 fax. raafmus@ozemail.com.au |
| The Strategic Air Command (SAC) Museum stands as a tribute to the men and women of SAC who safeguarded liberty around the globe for nearly 50 years. The story of SAC and its people is preserved for future generations within the walls of this extraordinary world-class facility. 28210 West Park Highway, Ashland, NE 68058. 800-358-5029. staff@sacmuseum.org |
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| U.S. Army Aviation Museum, Ft. Rucker, AL. The history of Army aviation is displayed including one of the world's largest collections of helicopters. |
| Vintage Flying Museum, 505 NW 38th St. at Hangar 33 South, Meacham International Airport (FTW), Fort Worth, Texas. Twenty aircraft are exhibited including several which are extremely rare and historic. Additional displays include a dedicated reciprocal and jet engine room, an FAA Aviation Education Resource Center, WWII memorabilia and artifact exhibits, a unique aircraft model exhibit and gift shop. |
| The War Eagles Air Museum is dedicated to collecting, restoring and displaying historic aircraft of the World War II and the Korean Conflict eras. This unique Museum pays special tribute to military aviation and reminds us all of the significant role these airplanes, their pilots and support crews played in securing our freedom. To demonstrate the sights and sounds of these high-powered machines, most of this magnificent collection is maintained in flying condition. These aircraft provide public enjoyment while in actual flight. The Museum features various educational programs, exhibits and special events that help preserve our heritage and promote pride in our country. Extensive list of military aviation links. Santa Teresa Airport, 8012 Air Port Rd., Santa Teresa, NM 88008. 505-589-2000. |
| Walnut Ridge Army Flying School Museum preserves the history of this WW II air base. 11 Skywatch Dr., Walnut Ridge, Arkansas 72476. wraaf@nex.net |
| Wings Over The Rockies Air and Space Museum has 30 aircraft and special exhibits. Hangar Number 1, Building 401 Lowry Campus (formerly Lowry AFB) 7711 East Academy Blvd, Denver, Colorado 80220. 303-360-5360, 303-360-5328 fax. info@wingsmuseum.org |
Find More Information on the Web
There are many fine websites that have additional information on this topic, too many to list here and too many to keep up with as they come and go. Use this Google web search form to get an up to date report of what's out there.
For good results, try entering this: museum aviation OR airplane. Then click the Search button.
